Current medical research and opinion
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Plain language resources (PLR) are lay summaries of clinical trial results or plain language summaries of publications, in digital/visual/language formats. They aim to provide accurate information in jargon-free, and easy-to-understand language that can meet the health information needs of the general public, especially patients and caregivers. These are typically developed by the study sponsors or investigators, or by national public health bodies, research hospitals, patient organizations, and non-profit organizations. ⋯ PLR are important resources for patients, with promising implications for individual as well as community health. However, they require appropriate oversight and standards to optimize their potential value. Hence, we also highlight recommendations and best practices from our reading of the literature, that aim to minimize these biases.
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Observational Study
Audit of adherence to international guidelines (IDSA) in the treatment of infectious meningitis in pediatric patients in Jordan.
This study aims to audit the adherence of Jordanian medical care staff to the guidelines provided by the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) for managing pediatric patients admitted with suspected cases of meningitis. ⋯ This study revealed a low overall adherence in the management of pediatric patients with meningitis in Jordan. Establishing an antimicrobial stewardship program may improve the outcomes of meningitis infections found in Jordan, and prevent dangerous adverse effects and bacterial resistance.
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The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between biochemical, hematological, and inflammatory parameters and pain in patients with nociplastic pain. ⋯ In our study, it was observed that levels of vitamin D in individuals with nociplastic pain were low, while erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and Neutrophil/Lymphocyte ratio were high, and hemoglobin and ferritin levels were elevated. Furthermore, these findings were found to be associated with both the presence of pain and the severity of pain assessed using the visual analog scale.
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To develop a machine learning-based predictive algorithm to identify patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who are candidates for initiation of U-500R insulin (U-500R). ⋯ This study successfully developed and validated a machine learning-based algorithm to identify U-500R candidates among patients with T2DM. This may help health care providers and decision-makers to understand important characteristics of patients who could use U-500R therapies which in turn could support policies and guidelines for optimal patient management.
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Patients with active cancer and venous thromboembolism (VTE) have elevated risk of recurrent VTE (rVTE) and major bleeding (MB). The risk is even higher within those with a prior bleeding event or renal disease. There is a need to understand the risk of rVTE and MB of commonly used anticoagulants among these high-risk patients. ⋯ The incidence of MB was higher among those with prior bleed or renal disease. Effects of apixaban, warfarin, or LMWH were generally consistent regardless of prior bleed or renal disease status.